Portugal · AZORES ISLAND HOPPING

The 15 Azores Island-Hopping Trips That Earn Their Price

32 tours  ·  from $37 a head

Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 azores island-hopping trips justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.

Lisbon: Sao Jorge Castle Skip-the-Line Ticket with Guide - Entering without the ticket queue
Azores Island Hopping, Guided, Skip the Line, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Lisbon

Lisbon: Sao Jorge Castle Skip-the-Line Ticket with Guide

1.Sao Jorge Castle Skip-the-Line Ticket with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,191 reviews · 1 day · from $37Our pick

Meet an English-speaking host by the São Jorge ticket office for a 15-minute introduction, then enter with your skip-the-line ticket and explore at your own pace. Guides such as João, Fatima, and Carla have led engaging tours covering Moorish Lisbon, castle design, Saint George, and Portugal’s early story. Allow about two hours for the castle and battlements.

“It’s very important if you book this (because i didnt find it when booking) is that they do not allow cars to go to the drop off point! If you go by uber or taxi prepare for a 10 min walk ip to meeting point. The castle itself once you’re there is a great experience! The views are spectacular and the guide was very informative and engaging. It is all outdoors.”

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Pico Island: Whale Watching Experience from Lajes - Starting at Lajes do Pico harbor
Azores Island Hopping, Tour Reviews, Tours in Azores, Whale Watching

Pico Island: Whale Watching Experience from Lajes

2.Whale Watching Experience from Lajes

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 492 reviews · from $68

From Lajes do Pico, you’ll ride a fast zodiac with marine biologist guides such as Nadja, Nadia, or Lynn, depending on the day. Expect a short briefing, about 2 hours 45 minutes at sea, and a careful search for sperm whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. The crew keeps a respectful distance and provides rain gear when needed.

“Highly recommended! Awesome boat, we saw 4 types of dolphins, sea turtles and sperm whales. The guide knew everything there is to know about marine life, since these people are marine bioligists who also do research. Long story short; if you are looking for the right people to do a whale watching tour with; pick these.”

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Pico Island: Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching on Zodiac Boat - Meeting at Lajes do Pico harbor
Azores Island Hopping, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Pico Island: Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching on Zodiac Boat

3.Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching on Zodiac Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 408 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $53

Set out from Lajes do Pico with a Portuguese- or English-speaking guide and skipper. After a safety briefing, ride a Zodiac along Pico’s coast while watching for more than 25 cetacean species, turtles, and seabirds. Waterproof tops, life vests, insurance, and a small welcome refreshment are included.

“So plenty of dolphins and Whales. The guides were friendly and informative.”

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Terceira: Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Tour - Algar do Carvão: the unforgettable volcanic chimney
Azores Island Hopping, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Azores

Terceira: Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Tour

4.Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 305 reviews · 3 - 3.5 hours · from $53

Ride from your Terceira accommodation into the Guilherme Moniz volcano area with guides such as Bernardo, Dora, Carolina, or Antonio. Expect Algar do Carvão when open, Furnas do Enxofre, Gruta do Natal, or a restricted lava tube during the closure. Cave tickets cost extra.

“We had an amazing time, the guide Bernardo took a lot of time with us and also told us a lot about the island and the people of Terceira in general. The Cave exploration war quite a special experience. We can only recommend the tour!”

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Azores: Terceira Island Full-Day Tour - Monte Brasil gives you the first wide view
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Azores: Terceira Island Full-Day Tour

5.Terceira Island Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 291 reviews · 8 hours · from $102

Travel around Terceira in a van with a guide such as Rafaela, Elizabeth, Elisabete, or Honorio. Visit Monte Brasil, Praia da Vitória, Serra do Cume, Biscoitos, and Algar do Carvão or Gruta do Natal, then share a traditional lunch featuring Alcatra beef stew. Groups are limited to eight.

“Very interesting tour! We visited a lot of wonderful places, very convenient pick up, very delicious lunch! Thank you Elisabete for such a comfortable trip! Highly recommended!”

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Private Terceira Island Full Day Tour - The Cabras Islets add a coastal pause
Azores Island Hopping, Full-Day, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Azores

Private Terceira Island Full Day Tour

6.Private Terceira Island Full Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 250 reviews · from $174Top rated

Spend 7 to 9 hours exploring Terceira with local guide Antonio Silva, who can shape the day around your interests. Visit volcanic sites, Angra do Heroísmo, Praia da Vitória, natural pools, churches, and island viewpoints in a private air-conditioned minivan. Pickup is available, and your guide can help arrange a local lunch.

“Antonio is the best! He is super friendly, knowledgable, kind, thoughtful, funny, personable, and accommodating. You will NOT have a better experience on this island. Skip the touristy stuff from a cruise line and book him. Skip trying to figure it out all on your own and book him! Could not be happier with our day on the island. THANKS YOU!!”

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Terceira: Whale and Dolphin Watching in a Zodiac Boat - How the Monte Brasil lookout changes the search
Azores Island Hopping, Boat Trips in Sao Miguel, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sao Miguel, Whale Watching

Terceira: Whale and Dolphin Watching in a Zodiac Boat

7.Whale and Dolphin Watching in a Zodiac Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 230 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $82

Set out from Angra do Heroísmo in a fast zodiac with a skipper and marine-life guide. A spotter on Monte Brasil helps locate cetaceans by radio, and guides such as Viktor explain their behavior and habitat. Expect about 2.5 hours at sea, with a strong chance of dolphins and possible whales.

“Amazing experience!!!! 🤩 Service 10/10 (everything was clear from the beginning to the end, all staff were nice and polite) Boat 10/10 (small, only 2 seats in a row, so everyone would have a clear view) Guide 10/10 (energetic, attentive) Skipper 10/10 (a professional) Service worth the price 👌 It seems like every person in a team really loves their job. Thank you guys, you are amazing 🤍”

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Terceira: Half-Day Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour - Searching for dolphins and whales
Azores Island Hopping, Dolphin Watching, Half-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sao Miguel, Whale Watching

Terceira: Half-Day Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

8.Half-Day Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 219 reviews · 3 hours · from $70

Set out from Picos de Aventura in Angra do Heroísmo for a three-hour whale and dolphin search with skippers, biologists, and lookouts. Guides such as Francisco, João, Luis, and Joanna explain cetacean behavior, safety, and local sea life. Bring a windbreaker, sunscreen, water, and a waterproof bag.

“Too bad we could not see whales, even though they were in the area a couple of hours earlier, but we were able to watch dozens of dolphins. Also, the crew did everything possible to make sure we enjoyed as much as possible, took us to the Ilhéu das Cabras to appreciate the landscape. 1 Overall, great experience!”

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Faial Island: Full Day Tour – Nature and Local Culture - Flamengos and the road into the Caldeira
Azores Island Hopping, Full-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Azores

Faial Island: Full Day Tour – Nature and Local Culture

9.Faial Island: Full Day Tour – Nature and Local Culture

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 213 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $114

Spend 7 to 8 hours touring Faial with a local guide such as Ramiro, visiting the Caldeira, Capelinhos, Porto do Comprido, Praia do Almoxarife, and scenic viewpoints. Pickup, transport, water, and bilingual guiding are included. Choose a tour with lunch, without lunch, or a private format.

“Excellent guide Ramiro Paz who was knowledgeable, considerate and adjusted the itinerary to suit the variable weather conditions. Volcano venue at Capelhinos well worth a visit.”

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Faial Island: Half Day Tour - Espalamaca opens with broad views
Azores Island Hopping, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Azores

Faial Island: Half Day Tour

10.Faial Island: Half Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 181 reviews · 4 hours · from $69

See Faial’s main sights in four hours with a local English- or Portuguese-speaking guide. The route includes Espalamaca, Caldeira, the central area, North Beach, Capelinhos Volcano, and Monte da Guia. Hotel pickup, drop-off, insurance, and drinks are included, with groups limited to eight people.

“My friend and I booked this tour very late: at 10 am at the day of the tour (the tour started at 2pm), but we are very happy we still managed to get on this tour! We were only visiting Faial for 1 day, so we knew we wouldn't be able to see everything. This tour is perfect to see the highlights, especially if you don't have your own transportation on the island. We were the only 2 people attending the tour and our guide Victor was wonderful. He obviously has a lot of knowledge about the island and stopped in many spots so we could take pictures. He picked…”

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Island Van Tour (Full Day) | Terceira Island - Monte Brasil and Angra do Heroísmo from above
Azores Island Hopping, Full-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sao Miguel

Island Van Tour (Full Day) | Terceira Island

11.Island Van Tour (Full Day) | Terceira Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 176 reviews · 7 hours · from $88

Tour Terceira Island by air-conditioned van with pickup in Angra do Heroísmo. See Monte Brasil, Serra do Cume, Praia da Vitória, Biscoitos, São Mateus, and the Goat Islets. Guides such as Amelia and André share local stories in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. Lunch is not included, but cheese tasting at Queijo Vaquinha is.

“I got a great history lesson on the people of Terceira from someone who obviously cares.”

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Terceira Island: Caves and Craters Tour - Serra do Cume gives you the big picture
Azores Island Hopping, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Azores

Terceira Island: Caves and Craters Tour

12.Terceira Island: Caves and Craters Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 169 reviews · 4 hours · from $88

Spend four hours exploring Terceira’s volcanic center with a multilingual guide such as Elisabete, Rafaela, or Alex. See Serra do Cume, walk through Gruta do Natal, visit Furnas do Enxofre, stop at Biscoitos pools, and, when open, enter Algar do Carvão. Pickup is included from Angra do Heroísmo or Praia da Vitória.

“Rafaela was a great and patient guide and we enjoyed her tour a lot!”

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From Angra: Terceira Island Full-Day Tour - Monte Brasil and the Fortress of São João Baptista
Azores Island Hopping, Full-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sao Miguel

From Angra: Terceira Island Full-Day Tour

13.From Angra: Terceira Island Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 133 reviews · 8 hours · from $94

Spend eight hours circling Terceira with a local English- or Portuguese-speaking guide. Visit Monte Brasil, Serra do Cume, Praia da Vitória, Biscoitos, coastal viewpoints, villages, and volcanic sights. Shared and private options are available, with hotel pickup, a flexible pace, and time for lunch at your own expense.

“We had a wonderful experience. Caterina is a knowledgeable, patient & helpful guide. We really enjoyed seeing some of the beautiful sights on Terceira island. We highly recommend this day tour. The communication with the company was prompt and professional. Super value for money.”

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Tours on Pico Island - Cultural and Natural Landscape - Lagoa do Capitão and Pico’s interior
Azores Island Hopping, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Azores

Tours on Pico Island – Cultural and Natural Landscape

14.Tours on Pico Island – Cultural and Natural Landscape

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 115 reviews · 8.5 hours · from $111

Explore Pico Island with Norberto of Lavafaces Azores Experience Tours in a small group of up to eight. The 8.5-hour route links Madalena, São Roque do Pico, and Lajes do Pico with Lagoa do Capitão, UNESCO-listed vineyards, lava fields, Cachorro, Lajido, and the Whaling Museum. Hotel and ferry-area pickup, transport, entry fees, and guiding are included.

“I had a very pleasant day with Norberto and the other group members. I learned and saw a lot of the island and can fully recommend this tour. Thanks again!”

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Terceira: Buggy Tour 4x4 West Side Azores Retreat - Meeting at Pico da Vigia in Santa Barbara
Azores Island Hopping, Jeep & 4x4 Safaris, Quad & Buggy Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Azores

Terceira: Buggy Tour 4×4 West Side Azores Retreat

15.Buggy Tour 4×4 West Side Azores Retreat

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 108 reviews · 2.5 hours

Take the wheel of an automatic side-by-side 4x4 buggy at Pico da Vigia and follow a guide through Terceira’s west side. Expect a mix of roads, gravel, forest tracks, rocks, mud, farms, and wide views. Bring a friend, wear clothes that can get dirty, and pack a jacket for cooler, wet stretches.

“The best thing to do in Terceira ! takes you through the woods too.”

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